Hilma Nalupe
The Namibia women’s football team, Brave Gladiators, showed remarkable determination but were edged out 4-2 by Zambia’s Copper Queens in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) second-round qualifier on Wednesday at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
Zambia started strongly, with Racheal Kundananji opening the scoring early in the first half before Racheal Nachula added another to make it 2-0 at half time.
Namibia came out revitalised after the break, scoring twice within the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Ivone Kooper pulled one back with a composed finish.
Zenatha Coleman converted a penalty after Lina Alweendo was fouled in the box to draw the match level at 2-2.
However, Zambia’s star striker Kundananji proved unstoppable, restoring her side’s lead in the 70th minute and completing her hat-trick in the 93rd minute to seal a 4-2 victory for the hosts.
Despite the defeat, Namibia’s two away goals could prove vital as the Gladiators prepare for the decisive second leg in Ndola on October 28 at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Zambia.
To qualify for WAFCON 2026, Namibia must win by at least a three-goal margin – for example, 3-0 or 4-1 to overturn the aggregate score and advance.
With everything still to play for, the Brave Gladiators remain in contention to book their spot at the WAFCON and continue writing a new chapter in Namibia’s women’s football journey.